Wonders of Turkey - Premium Small Group
Welcome to Istanbul to Farewell Istanbul
Across Turkey, your Small Group travels from the echoing interiors of Istanbul’s mosques and the spice-filled aisles of its bazaars to the broad sweep of the Bosphorus. At Gallipoli, Troy and Ephesus, you'll cross battlefields, weathered ruins and ancient streets once crowded with merchants and pilgrims. Pamukkale’s travertine terraces curve beneath your path before you enter the cool hush of a Cappadocian cave house and attend a traditional Sema ceremony. Back in Istanbul, you stand beneath Hagia Sophia’s vast dome as light catches its mosaics and marble columns.
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Business class coach with extended leg room
- Top-rated dining, from farm-to-table to local restaurants
- 4 & 5-star stays
- Istanbul: Meet your Travel Director and your small group for your first dinner together in Istanbul, marking the start of your journey through Turkey.
- Izmir: Share a Farm-to-table lunch at Nif Baglari, a family-owned wine producer in the foothills near Izmir. Walk through the vines and learn how the land is used, then sit down to seasonal dishes made with produce grown on the property, served in the vineyard setting.
- Istanbul: Toast the culmination of your travels during dinner at a local restaurant with your small group and Travel Director.
- Gallipoli: Visit ANZAC Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula, the landing site for Australian and New Zealand forces on 25 April 1915. The site remains the focus of ANZAC Day commemorations, including the dawn service held here each year.
- Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.
- Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artifacts from Ephesus.
- Ephesus: Walk through Ephesus with a Local Specialist, following the Arcadian Way into the heart of the Roman city. You’ll stand before the Library of Celsus, take in the scale of the amphitheater and visit the House of the Virgin Mary, set in the hills above the ruins.
- Izmir: Join a backgammon lesson in a traditional Turkish coffee shop, learning the basic rules of tavla, a game played in Anatolia since Ottoman times. Sip traditional Turkish coffee before sitting down for a friendly match against local players, following the pace and customs typical of the neighborhood.
- Pamukkale: Walk along the travertine pools at Pamukkale, where thermal waters have created white limestone terraces across the hillside. You’ll see how the calcium-rich water continues to shape the formations, leaving new deposits as it flows.
- Konya: Step inside the Sultanhani Caravanserai, built in 1229 to support traders and travelers crossing the Anatolian plain. See how the space was designed for overnight shelter, with stables, storerooms and a central courtyard still intact.
- Saratli: Explore the underground city of Saratli, where tunnels, rooms and passageways were carved out to provide shelter and storage. You’ll walk through the lower levels and see how early communities built out daily life below ground.
- Cappadocia: Start before dawn at a panoramic viewpoint in Cappadocia and watch hundreds of hot air balloons drift above the fairy chimneys, valleys and sculpted rock formations. As first light spills across the landscape, enjoy uninterrupted views and exceptional photo opportunities.
- Göreme: Explore the rock-cut churches of Göreme, carved into the soft volcanic rock of Cappadocia. Inside, you’ll see early Christian frescoes that have survived for centuries, offering a close look at how communities once lived and worshipped here.
- Avanos: Visit a pottery studio in Avanos, a town on the Kizilirmak River with a clay-working tradition that dates back to Hittite times. Watch how red river clay is prepared and shaped at the wheel, and follow the stages as each piece is formed, dried and decorated.
- Ankara: Visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey and the Republic’s first President. You’ll walk through the ceremonial complex and enter the Hall of Honor, observing how the architecture and setting underline his role in the country’s modern history.
- Istanbul: Cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. You’ll watch ferries, fishing boats and cargo ships share the waterway and see how Istanbul’s districts line both banks, built around this route between Europe and Asia.
- Istanbul: Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula with your Local Specialist. You’ll move between the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the former palace complex of Topkapi, tracing how the city shifted from Byzantine Constantinople to the Ottoman capital while life continues in the surrounding streets and markets.
- Ayvalik: Visit the Copmadam workshop, where one-of-a-kind items are made from recycled packaging, creating employment opportunities for local women. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
- Cappadocia: Step inside a traditional cave house and meet a local Cappadocian who has lived there for decades. Hear how the home was shaped, how it has changed over time and what it means to remain rooted in this landscape.
- Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
- Istanbul: Visit Hagia Sophia with your Local Specialist. You’ll step beneath the central dome and see how elements from its time as a Byzantine basilica and as an Ottoman mosque share the same interior, reflecting the building’s long and layered history.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
- Istanbul: Visit Hagia Sophia with your Local Specialist. You’ll step beneath the central dome and see how elements from its time as a Byzantine basilica and as an Ottoman mosque share the same interior, reflecting the building’s long and layered history.
- Culinary and Cooking
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Your Bucket List Moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. Here are just a few of the hundreds of must-sees that are waiting for you.
Must-Sees To Local Secrets
You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you skip the lines at must-see sights and uncover secrets with your Local Specialist.
Stays With Stories
In addition to the extensive trusted accommodation partners, on many tours, you will find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. From an Irish castle steeped in history to a South African safari lodge, or a traditional Japanese Ryokan – you can truly experience it all.
Be My Guest
Welcome to your home away from home. Step into the lives of your hosts who open their homes, wineries, farms and more to share stories about their families, history and their communities, over good food and great hospitality. With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you.
Everything Taken Care Of
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
Here’s a quick look at the travel essentials and experiences you'll enjoy.
- Travel Director and Driver team
- Nightly accommodation
- Stays with Stories experience*
- Daily breakfast**
- Many lunches and dinners
- Luxury coach transport***
- Entry to many must-see sights
- Be My Guest experience
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
- Locally guided tours in many destinations
*Stays with Stories are available to you on selected tours
**On select days on some of our tours, we leave days free to follow your nose to the local bakery or diner to suit your tastes, preferences and budget.
*** On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
Your transport and Driver
You’ll travel from A to B in comfort and style, and without worrying about driving, parking, tolls and arguing over the satnav. Your luxury coach features reclining seats, panoramic windows to take in the views, WiFi, air-con, and on-board bathroom facilities, USB chargers and more* – kick back knowing your journey is as good as the destination.
Beyond your coach, you’ll really be able to take in the views on your journey. You could take a ferry through turquoise waters, past grottoes and along a unique coastline to the Isle of Capri, through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, or the Glacier Express Train ride along the Swiss Alps’ lakes and glaciers. You’ll capture incredible sights all from the comfort of your seat.
*On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
Complement your tour with Optional Experiences
Unlock even more with a selection of Optional Experiences available throughout your tour. These have been carefully curated to add that ‘extra something’ to your included sightseeing and one-of-a-kind experiences, at just-for-you Trafalgar prices. Selected by our team of experts and organised by your Travel Director while you’re on your tour, you’ll enjoy knowing the research has already been done for you.
Group travel tours - 300 Trips. 70 Countries. 7 Continents.
Trafalgar tours are the ultimate way to experience the world with like-minded travelers. From the historic canals of Venice to the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii, our group travel packages take care of every detail so you can relax and explore with complete ease. We take the worry out of travel, so from planning, to booking, to exploring the world with us, you can rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way.
Each of our group travel packages is perfectly planned so you can enjoy a blend of iconic and local experiences. Our group vacations are the classic Trafalgar experience that allows you to tour differently, with the world’s most loved and awarded travel brand.
Groups - For groups of 9 guests or more
Are you a group of 9 or more looking for the ultimate group trips package? Then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a trip organizer or just looking for a group trip to enjoy with friends and family, with us you can look forward to a rich travel experience that combines exceptional service, great value, and ultimate ease. Choose from over 240 of our existing, award-winning group vacations, or design a custom trip bespoke to your group’s passions and interests.
- I am a group trip organizer
If you are a trip organizer for a corporate, sporting or affinity group, or a Travel Agent, our group trips are perfect for your needs. You can either choose from one of our existing tours, or design a custom tour around your group’s travel interests, knowing that you will still get to enjoy the same remarkable Trafalgar inclusions and world class experience.
- I am traveling with family and friends
Whether you’re a small a group of family and friends looking to get away with ultimate ease, or a larger group celebrating a special occasion like a destination wedding or milestone birthday, we have just the perfect trip. Choose from one of our existing tours and enjoy travel with like-minded travelers.
Family Tours & Travel Packages
Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences a family can have together. Our family tours let you rediscover the joy of travel with the whole family and make memories that last well after you arrive home. From meeting a real-life cowboy in Montana, or spotting monkeys in Costa Rica, to experiencing life as a gladiator in Rome, the world is your playground with our family vacations.
Custom tours - For groups of 10 guests or more
You dream it, then we’ll create it. Our custom tours option is the perfect choice for groups of 10 guests or more seeking a tailored experience, while still offering complete flexibility and control over your budget, personalized travel itinerary and inclusions. Our specialist team can design a custom group travel experience perfectly suited to your group’s specific needs and interests.
Solo Travel Tours & Singles Vacations
Thinking of taking a solo trip? We make solo travel a breeze. With 24/7 support and everything taken care of by our team, you'll relax knowing you can travel with ease. Our singles vacations attract people from all over the world who are looking to share real travel experiences with like-minded people, so you’ll make new friends along the way in solo travel groups.
Tours for seniors
Discover the world with tours for seniors designed with comfort, culture, and connection in mind. Travel with like-minded explorers at a pace that suits you, experiencing enriching journeys filled with history, local stories, and breathtaking landscapes—all without the stress of planning. You might be looking for European travel tours for seniors, or going even further afield. Wherever your next adventure awaits, you’ll always unlock the best of your destination with Trafalgar.
Your Bucket List Moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. Here are just a few of the hundreds of must-sees that are waiting for you.
Must-Sees To Local Secrets
You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you skip the lines at must-see sights and uncover secrets with your Local Specialist.
Stays With Stories
In addition to the extensive trusted accommodation partners, on many tours, you will find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. From an Irish castle steeped in history to a South African safari lodge, or a traditional Japanese Ryokan – you can truly experience it all.
Be My Guest
Welcome to your home away from home. Step into the lives of your hosts who open their homes, wineries, farms and more to share stories about their families, history and their communities, over good food and great hospitality. With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you.
Everything Taken Care Of
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
Here’s a quick look at the travel essentials and experiences you'll enjoy.
- Travel Director and Driver team
- Nightly accommodation
- Stays with Stories experience*
- Daily breakfast**
- Many lunches and dinners
- Luxury coach transport***
- Entry to many must-see sights
- Be My Guest experience
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
- Locally guided tours in many destinations
*Stays with Stories are available to you on selected tours
**On select days on some of our tours, we leave days free to follow your nose to the local bakery or diner to suit your tastes, preferences and budget.
*** On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
Your transport and Driver
You’ll travel from A to B in comfort and style, and without worrying about driving, parking, tolls and arguing over the satnav. Your luxury coach features reclining seats, panoramic windows to take in the views, WiFi, air-con, and on-board bathroom facilities, USB chargers and more* – kick back knowing your journey is as good as the destination.
Beyond your coach, you’ll really be able to take in the views on your journey. You could take a ferry through turquoise waters, past grottoes and along a unique coastline to the Isle of Capri, through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, or the Glacier Express Train ride along the Swiss Alps’ lakes and glaciers. You’ll capture incredible sights all from the comfort of your seat.
*On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
Complement your tour with Optional Experiences
Unlock even more with a selection of Optional Experiences available throughout your tour. These have been carefully curated to add that ‘extra something’ to your included sightseeing and one-of-a-kind experiences, at just-for-you Trafalgar prices. Selected by our team of experts and organised by your Travel Director while you’re on your tour, you’ll enjoy knowing the research has already been done for you.
Group travel tours - 300 Trips. 70 Countries. 7 Continents.
Trafalgar tours are the ultimate way to experience the world with like-minded travelers. From the historic canals of Venice to the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii, our group travel packages take care of every detail so you can relax and explore with complete ease. We take the worry out of travel, so from planning, to booking, to exploring the world with us, you can rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way.
Each of our group travel packages is perfectly planned so you can enjoy a blend of iconic and local experiences. Our group vacations are the classic Trafalgar experience that allows you to tour differently, with the world’s most loved and awarded travel brand.
Groups - For groups of 9 guests or more
Are you a group of 9 or more looking for the ultimate group trips package? Then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a trip organizer or just looking for a group trip to enjoy with friends and family, with us you can look forward to a rich travel experience that combines exceptional service, great value, and ultimate ease. Choose from over 240 of our existing, award-winning group vacations, or design a custom trip bespoke to your group’s passions and interests.
- I am a group trip organizer
If you are a trip organizer for a corporate, sporting or affinity group, or a Travel Agent, our group trips are perfect for your needs. You can either choose from one of our existing tours, or design a custom tour around your group’s travel interests, knowing that you will still get to enjoy the same remarkable Trafalgar inclusions and world class experience.
- I am traveling with family and friends
Whether you’re a small a group of family and friends looking to get away with ultimate ease, or a larger group celebrating a special occasion like a destination wedding or milestone birthday, we have just the perfect trip. Choose from one of our existing tours and enjoy travel with like-minded travelers.
Family Tours & Travel Packages
Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences a family can have together. Our family tours let you rediscover the joy of travel with the whole family and make memories that last well after you arrive home. From meeting a real-life cowboy in Montana, or spotting monkeys in Costa Rica, to experiencing life as a gladiator in Rome, the world is your playground with our family vacations.
Custom tours - For groups of 10 guests or more
You dream it, then we’ll create it. Our custom tours option is the perfect choice for groups of 10 guests or more seeking a tailored experience, while still offering complete flexibility and control over your budget, personalized travel itinerary and inclusions. Our specialist team can design a custom group travel experience perfectly suited to your group’s specific needs and interests.
Solo Travel Tours & Singles Vacations
Thinking of taking a solo trip? We make solo travel a breeze. With 24/7 support and everything taken care of by our team, you'll relax knowing you can travel with ease. Our singles vacations attract people from all over the world who are looking to share real travel experiences with like-minded people, so you’ll make new friends along the way in solo travel groups.
Tours for seniors
Discover the world with tours for seniors designed with comfort, culture, and connection in mind. Travel with like-minded explorers at a pace that suits you, experiencing enriching journeys filled with history, local stories, and breathtaking landscapes—all without the stress of planning. You might be looking for European travel tours for seniors, or going even further afield. Wherever your next adventure awaits, you’ll always unlock the best of your destination with Trafalgar.
