Travel Type
Guided Tours
Duration
16 Days/14 Nights
Country
Turkey
Experience the very best of Turkey on this immersive journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Istanbul, where Byzantine and Ottoman treasures reveal the city’s imperial past. Walk in the footsteps of legends at Troy, explore the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, and marvel at the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Discover the Mediterranean charm of Antalya and conclude in magical Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and optional sunrise hot air balloon experience. A perfect blend of ancient civilizations, natural wonders, and authentic Turkish culture.
Inclusions
– Group flights from Calgary with Lufthansa, including $950 airport taxes
– 14-night accommodation at 4*, 5* and boutique hotels
– 34 meals: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
– Group transfers in air-conditioned vehicle
– Professional English-speaking guide
– Entry fees to museums and sites mentioned in the itinerary
– Bosphorus cruise
– Domestic flight Kayseri-Istanbul (20kg checked bag included)
– Gratuities to hotels
Exclusions
International flights (unless reserved with our Lufthansa group flight) – Travel insurance – Optional hot air balloon ride (depending on the weather, please book with guide at destination) – Drinks and meals which are not listed in the itinerary – Personal expenses – Gratuities to the tour guide and driver – All other items not mentioned in inclusions.
Additional Information
Special Notes
**If by June 12, 2026 we have not reached the minimum passengers required, the tour will be cancelled, and all deposits will be returned.
**For participants choosing to book land only, please wait for the departure confirmation before booking your flight.
Seat selection for groups with Lufthansa
This promotional rate does not permit advance seat selection with Lufthansa. At time of ticketing, Exotik Journeys will notify the airline which passengers are travelling together in an effort to have them seated together. We will also request the ideal location that the passengers would like to sit if this was mentioned to the travel agent at the moment of booking. However, this cannot be guaranteed in advance. There are no exceptions to the seating rules allowed with this promotion and Exotik Journeys cannot be held responsible for final seat selection onboard the plane.
1
DAY 1 21 OCTOBER DEPARTURE FROM CANADA
Please register at the airport’s airline counter at least 3 hours prior to departure time (kindly refer to your electronic tickets for the names of the airport and airline counter).
2
DAY 2 22 OCTOBER ISTANBUL
Arrival at Istanbul airport (IST). Transfer to your hotel and free time for dinner.
Accommodation : Istanbul for 2 nights
3
DAY 3 23 OCTOBER ISTANBUL
A full day to discover Istanbul, beginning with the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the social and political heart of the ancient city. Next, a visit to Topkapi Palace, the magnificent residence of the Ottoman sultans, home to a priceless collection of Chinese and Turkish porcelain and a treasury that speaks to the extraordinary wealth of the empire (treasury visit subject to completion of ongoing restorations). A visit to the Harem is included in today’s program. Lunch at a traditional restaurant in the old city, followed by a visit to the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, now home to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. Evening is free for dinner at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
4
DAY 4 24 OCTOBER ISTANBUL – TROY – CANAKKALE
We depart in the morning toward the Dardanelles, crossing the famous strait by ferry. Lunch en route. We then visit the legendary ancient city of Troy, the city of King Priam, immortalized in Homer’s epic tales. Dinner and overnight in Canakkale.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Canakkale for 1 night
5
DAY 5 25 OCTOBER CANAKKALE – PERGAMON – IZMIR
Morning departure to Pergamon, the city credited with the invention of parchment. We visit the Asclepion, an ancient healing centre dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, followed by the Pergamon Archaeological Museum. We then continue to Izmir, where an orientation tour offers a wonderful first look at this vibrant coastal city, known in antiquity as Smyrna. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Izmir for 2 nights
6
DAY 6 26 OCTOBER IZMIR – EPHESUS – IZMIR
Today after breakfast we head out to Ephesus, the most significant Greco-Roman city of the Ionian world. Highlights include the Grand Theatre, the Library of Celsus, and the marble-paved main street that once bustled with ancient life. We also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a deeply moving site perched in the hills above the city. Lunch in Ephesus, followed by a leather fashion show showcasing fine Turkish craftsmanship. The day wraps up with a visit to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum before returning to Izmir for dinner and overnight.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
DAY 7 27 OCTOBER IZMIR – APHRODISIAS – PAMUKKALE
We depart for Aphrodisias, the city of the goddess of love and one of the finest Roman cities in all of Turkey. The site is remarkable in its scope. We visit the agora, the theatre, the Odeon, and what is considered the best-preserved ancient stadium in the entire Mediterranean world. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, we continue to Pamukkale, whose name means “Cotton Castle”, a breathtaking natural wonder formed by hot springs rich in calcium deposits, which have created cascading white terraces over thousands of years. We then explore the ancient site of Hierapolis, home to one of the best-conserved necropolises in the country. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Pamukkale for 1 night
8
DAY 8 28 OCTOBER PAMUKKALE – SAGALASSOS – ANTALYA
This morning, we set off for the ancient city of Sagalassos, dramatically perched in the Taurus Mountains at an elevation of 1,450 to 1,600 metres. This remarkable site has been under excavation since 1990 by the University of Leuven in Belgium, and the results are extraordinary. Lunch en route before we explore the ruins, including the Neon Library, the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the heroon, and the theatre. We then continue to Antalya, with a stop at the stunning Düden Waterfalls (Karpuzkaldıran) along the way. Evening is free for dinner at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Antalya for 3 nights
9
DAY 9 29 OCTOBER ANTALYA
A full day dedicated to exploring the ancient region of Pamphylia. We visit the ruins of Perge, one of the great cities of antiquity, followed by the Theatre of Aspendos, the best-preserved Roman theatre in Turkey and a true architectural marvel. Lunch is included. On the way back, we stop at a local goldsmith and jewelry workshop to admire the fine craftsmanship of Turkish artisans. We then return to the city for a visit to the Antalya Necropolis Museum. Evening is free for dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
10
DAY 10 30 OCTOBER ANTALYA
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy Antalya at your own pace. Wander through the charming narrow streets of the old city, browse the local shops, or simply soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. For those looking to make the most of the coastline, an optional boat cruise ($) is available to explore the turquoise waters and scenic bays of the Antalya region.
Meals : Breakfast
11
DAY 11 31 OCTOBER ANTALYA – CAPPADOCIA
Departure for Cappadocia. Along the way, visit the famous Sultanhani Caravanserai, built starting in 1229 by Keykubad I. This renowned Seljuk inn, is considered the most pristine caravanserai on the Silk Road. Lunch en route. Arrival in Cappadocia, the land of fairy chimneys. Before dinner, enjoy a special performance by Whirling Dervishes and their mesmerizing spinning dance.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Cappadoce region for 3 nights
12
DAY 12 01 NOVEMBER CAPPADOCIA
This morning you have the oopportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise (subject to availability, $). Full day in Cappadocia, the land of Fairy Chimneys. In the morning, start with a hike through the Red Valley to admire the most spectacular fairy chimneys, followed by a stop at a pottery workshop. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to remarkable cave churches carved into the rock. After lunch, continue with visits to Paşabağ, Avanos, and one of the region’s famous underground cities. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13
DAY 13 02 NOVEMBER CAPPADOCIA
Today is another full day in Cappadocia with visits to the charming traditional villages of Soğanlı and İbrahimpaşa. Lunch and a visit to a workshop specializing in handmade Turkish carpets. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Option to attend a folkloric evening at a cave restaurant carved into the rock ($).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14
DAY 14 03 NOVEMBER CAPPADOCIA – ISTANBUL
Transfer to Kayseri Airport for a flight to Istanbul. In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus, followed by a visit to the Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the Spice Bazaar, famous for its exotic Eastern flavors. Dinner on your own and overnight in Istanbul.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Istanbul for 2 nights
15
DAY 15 04 NOVEMBER ISTANBUL
In the morning, explore the Taksim neighborhood, Istanbul’s vibrant modern city centre. After lunch, visit the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, designed by the renowned architect Sinan between 1546 and 1548. The mosque bears the name of Suleiman the Magnificent’s only daughter, Princess Mihrimah, whose mother was the celebrated Hürrem Sultan, better known in the West as Roxelane. Visit Pierre Loti Hill, one of Istanbul’s most beloved vantage points, named after the famous French writer Pierre Loti, who held a deep affection for the city. Explore the Grand Bazaar, with its maze of over 4,000 shops. Farewell dinner at a restaurant in the city and overnight in Istanbul.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
16
DAY 16 05 NOVEMBER ISTANBUL – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport with assistance for departure formalities.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Istanbul: Dosso Dossi Hotel 4* / Barcelo Hotel 5*
Izmir: Karaca Hotel 4*
Cappadocia: Sc Nujelm Boutique Hotel 5*
Antalya: Sc Puding Hotel 4*
Pamukkale: Doga Thermal Hotel and Spa 5*
Canakkale: Kolin Hotel 5*
** PROMO ** | ||
| Rates in CA$, starting from, per person, in double occupancy | ||
| DEPARTURE – OCTOBER 2026 | PROMO UNTIL MAY 29 | REGULAR PRICE STARTING MAY 30 |
Departure from Calgary | 7049 | 7099 |
Land Only | 5299 | 5349 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement | 1500 | |
Product Code: V
– Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 15 participants.
– As soon as we have reached the minimum, you will receive the departure confirmation from your travel agent.
– Early Booking Bonus of $50 per person is included for all booking made until May 29, 2026.
**For participants choosing to book land only, please wait for the departure confirmation before booking your flight.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
– Non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person due at the moment of reservation.
– Non-refundable final payment due 50 days prior to departure, August 31st, 2026.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Turkish Delights – Detailed itinerary
Turkish Delights – Detailed itinerary
