13 Day Turkish Odyssey

From

$2699

Land Only

$3709*

Air & Land



Book Now!

Featured Hotels

(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
Monday Departure
10 Karakoy Istanbul
Hilton Garden Inn Safranbolu Safranbolu
Yunak Evleri Cappadocia
Sagalassos Lodge & Spa Aglasun
Ece Saray Marina & Resort Fethiye
Thursday Departure
10 Karakoy Istanbul
Hilton Garden Inn Safranbolu Safranbolu
Yunak Evleri Cappadocia
Sagalassos Lodge & Spa Aglasun
Ece Saray Marina & Resort Fethiye

Click a Date to Book Online

Book By Dec 17, 2020 & Save!

Dates
Previous Season Dates
Next Season Dates

*Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.


Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include intra-flight from Dalaman-Istanbul.
Arrival and departure transfers are only included for flights to/from Istanbul Airport (IST).

During Ramadan (Apr 12 - May 11, 2021), historic and cultural sites may close early and operate with minimal staff. The order of sightseeing may be changed to accommodate the holiday observance. Traffic congestion is common during Ramadan. Some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcoholic beverages. Entertainment may be limited to be respectful of the holiday observance. Modest dress is suggested during Ramadan (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.


Is This Trip Right for You?

This is an active trip. Our small group covers a lot of ground each day. Expect to spend two to three hours on your feet during tours. The pace is fast. Some of our tours require walking over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces or up and down steep slopes or steps. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.

Accommodation Details




Room 1


  • Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability

Flight Details



Package Includes

  • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
  • Round trip flights New York-Istanbul, Istanbul-New York
  • Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Intra-flight Dalaman-Istanbul
  • 11 nights First Class accommodations
    • 4 nights Istanbul
    • 1 nights Safranbolu
    • 3 nights Cappadocia
    • 1 night Sagalassos
    • 2 nights Fethiye
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 26 meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners (including a home hosted dinner, and welcome & farewell dinners)
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
  • Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
  • Active itinerary with unique cultural features

Tour Highlights

    Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.

  • Discover Istanbul’s extraordinary sights including the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia and the Hippodrome
  • Hunt for local treasures in the Grand Bazaar – your guide will teach you the “in’s and out’s” of shopping in the market
  • Tour the astounding Topkapi Palace with its background of harem intrigue and power politics
  • Head to the historical and colorful neighborhoods of Fener & Balat
  • Embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia
  • View traditional Turkish Ottoman houses in Safranbolu, in the Black Sea region
  • Explore the underground city of Kaymakli in Cappadocia, once refuge for over 5000 people
  • See the extraordinary “fairy chimneys” and the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit Sagalassos, one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey
  • Full Day Cruise along Fethiye's stunning 12 Islands
  • Marvel at the striking ancient Lycian tombs, carved high in the cliffsides in Kaunos

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Is This Trip Right for You?

This is an active trip. Our small group covers a lot of ground each day. Expect to spend two to three hours on your feet during tours. The pace is fast. Some of our tours require walking over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces or up and down steep slopes or steps. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.
Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. Click a day above to see what is included.

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Turkey
Depart for Turkey

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner at your hotel
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Full Day Istanbul Tour
Begin your day at the magnificent Blue Mosque with its six minarets. The stunning interior decor, shimmering with over 21,000 blue Iznik tiles, is highlighted by the beautiful floral designs displaying traditional lily, carnation, tulip and rose motifs. On to the Hippodrome that served as a stadium for chariot racing and public gatherings. Continue with a visit to St. Sophia, its massive dome was a daring engineering feat in the 6th century - architects still marvel at the building's many innovations, once considered the greatest church in Christendom. It was proclaimed a mosque soon after the conquest of the city by the Ottomans in 1453, that later was converted to a museum.  Afterward, arrive at the Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans and priceless Chinese porcelains of the palace bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. End the day at the Grand Bazaar, in the Old City, a favorite place for shopping. You can wander the labyrinth of streets and passages with more than 4,000 shops displaying jewelry, leather goods, carpets and more. Enjoy the art of bargaining and shop to your heart's content!
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Thursday - Balat & Fener Neighborhoods, Bosphorus Cruise
Head to the historic neighborhoods of Balat & Fener. Here, the houses are painted in bright colors, laundry is still hanging across the narrow lanes, kids play in the streets and many different cultures and religions live next to each other. View the Greek Orthodox College surrounded by this scenic area. Afterward, visit the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages, wooden Ottoman villas and contrasting suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday - Travel to Safranbolu, Yörük Village
Today, depart Istanbul and head east toward the Black Sea region. Upon afternoon arrival in the historic town of Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the Crystal Terrace. It consists of a glass platform suspended from the edge of the cliff above the Tokatli Canyon. Admire the wonderful views of the canyon below. Afterward, drive to Yörük Village. Stroll along the narrow streets of this museum-like village and view houses built in the traditional Ottoman Turkish style. Some of the oldest wooden houses here are from the 17th century but the majority date from the 19th century. This evening, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Safranbolu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Explore Safranbolu, Travel to Cappadocia
Visit the 17th-century Caravanserai of Cinci Hani, a magnificent inn on the famous Silk Road that is now a hotel. The imposing structure is made out of limestone and consists of an entry, courtyard, rooms, stable and a cistern. Afterward, head to the Kaymakamlar Museum House, a typical Safranbolu house, that features all the classic elements of Ottoman houses during the 18th and 19th centuries. After your visit, walk through the historical Safranbolu Bazaar before departing for Cappadocia. This evening after dinner, enjoy a captivating dance of the Whirling Dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs, and culture. Experience a seven-century-old ritual, featuring beautiful costumes and live music
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday - Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Home Hosted Dinner
Begin the day with a visit to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, resembling a vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own church. The museum showcases 11 early Christian rock-cut churches containing spectacular frescoes with vibrant colors still luminous after standing for centuries. Continue with a visit to a carpet shop for a hands-on experience and lesson in how fine Turkish carpets are created. Proceed to the Pasabag Valley with its remarkable earth pillars in the midst of a vineyard, also called Monks Valley, before returning to Cappadocia for leisure time. Tonight, a specially arranged home hosted dinner awaits you. Meet with the family, share tales, and conversation and learn about Turkish culinary traditions
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Full Day Cappadocia Tour
Today, embark on a full day exploration of Cappadocia with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. Drive to the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses and onyx. Visit a local pottery shop before continuing to the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City, that features a maze of narrow tunnels and rooms carved from soft volcanic rock. See Pigeon's Valley (Guvercinlik) and visit the area that housed countless pigeons during ancient times. Return to the hotel with free time for individual interests
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Tuesday - Konya, Travel to Sagalassos
Today, depart in the morning for Sagalassos. The drive will take you through the Anatolian countryside with its breathtaking scenery. En route, stop in Konya, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture. Here, visit the Mevlana Museum, housing the works of the 13th century leader Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. After lunch, continue your drive to Sagalassos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in the afternoon and visit the ancient city that was founded on the slopes of the Taurus mountain range and served as the metropolis of the Roman province of Pisidia. Most of the buildings are well preserved and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. View the impressive great theater with a capacity of 9,000 people. Continue to the hotel in Sagalassos for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Sagalassos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Dalyan, Boat Cruise to Kaunos, Travel to Fethiye
Begin the day with a drive to Dalyan, a delightful riverside town. Enjoy lunch before embarking on a river cruise to the ancient site of Kaunos, dating back to the 10th century BC. Admire the remarkably preserved Greek amphitheater, which displays Roman and Hellenistic features and the remains of an early Byzantine basilica. Marvel at the striking ancient Lycian tombs, carved high in the cliffsides. Several of the façades are adorned with intricate relief and Ionian columns. Afterward, travel to Fethiye. Share your day's highlights with your fellow travelers at dinner tonight
Overnight: Fethiye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Full Day Cruise along Fethiye's 12 Islands
After breakfast, travel to the Fethiye Marina where you will embark on a private cruise to the Fethiye Islands. Several stops are included during the cruise for swimming and snorkeling. Savor lunch on the deck and relax, as you take in the stunning natural scenery. Admire views of ancient ruins as you sail in the crystal-clear waters of the Turquoise Coast back to Fethiye
Overnight: Fethiye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Friday - Flight to Istanbul
Morning transfer to Dalaman airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. Tonight, gather for a Farewell Dinner - share wonderful memories of your journey and bid goodbye to Turkey, your Tour Manager, and your newfound friends
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Saturday - Depart Turkey
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Turkey
Depart for Turkey

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner at your hotel
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Full Day Istanbul Tour
Begin your day at the magnificent Blue Mosque with its six minarets. The stunning interior decor, shimmering with over 21,000 blue Iznik tiles, is highlighted by the beautiful floral designs displaying traditional lily, carnation, tulip and rose motifs. On to the Hippodrome that served as a stadium for chariot racing and public gatherings. Continue with a visit to St. Sophia, its massive dome was a daring engineering feat in the 6th century - architects still marvel at the building's many innovations, once considered the greatest church in Christendom. It was proclaimed a mosque soon after the conquest of the city by the Ottomans in 1453, that later was converted to a museum.  Afterward, arrive at the Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans and priceless Chinese porcelains of the palace bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. End the day at the Grand Bazaar, in the Old City, a favorite place for shopping. You can wander the labyrinth of streets and passages with more than 4,000 shops displaying jewelry, leather goods, carpets and more. Enjoy the art of bargaining and shop to your heart’s content!
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Sunday - Balat & Fener Neighborhoods, Bosphorus Cruise
Head to the historic neighborhoods of Balat & Fener. Here, the houses are painted in bright colors, laundry is still hanging across the narrow lanes, kids play in the streets and many different cultures and religions live next to each other. View the Greek Orthodox College surrounded by this scenic area. Afterward, visit the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages, wooden Ottoman villas and contrasting suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Monday - Travel to Safranbolu, Yörük Village
Today, depart Istanbul and head east toward the Black Sea region. Upon afternoon arrival in the historic town of Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the Crystal Terrace. It consists of a glass platform suspended from the edge of the cliff above the Tokatli Canyon. Admire the wonderful views of the canyon below. Afterward, drive to Yörük Village. Stroll along the narrow streets of this museum-like village and view houses built in the traditional Ottoman Turkish style. Some of the oldest wooden houses here are from the 17th century but the majority date from the 19th century. This evening, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Safranbolu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday – Explore Safranbolu, Travel to Cappadocia
Visit the 17th-century Caravanserai of Cinci Hani, a magnificent inn on the famous Silk Road that is now a hotel. The imposing structure is made out of limestone and consists of an entry, courtyard, rooms, stable and a cistern. Afterward, head to the Kaymakamlar Museum House, a typical Safranbolu house, that features all the classic elements of Ottoman houses during the 18th and 19th centuries. After your visit, walk through the historical Safranbolu Bazaar before departing for Cappadocia. This evening after dinner, enjoy a captivating dance of the Whirling Dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs, and culture. Experience a seven-century-old ritual, featuring beautiful costumes and live music
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Home Hosted Dinner
Begin the day with a visit to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, resembling a vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own church. The museum showcases 11 early Christian rock-cut churches containing spectacular frescoes with vibrant colors still luminous after standing for centuries. Continue with a visit to a carpet shop for a hands-on experience and lesson in how fine Turkish carpets are created. Proceed to the Pasabag Valley with its remarkable earth pillars in the midst of a vineyard, also called Monks Valley, before returning to Cappadocia for leisure time. Tonight, a specially arranged home hosted dinner awaits you. Meet with the family, share tales, and conversation and learn about Turkish culinary traditions
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday – Full Day Cappadocia Tour
Today, embark on a full day exploration of Cappadocia with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. Drive to the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses and onyx. Visit a local pottery shop before continuing to the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City, that features a maze of narrow tunnels and rooms carved from soft volcanic rock. See Pigeon’s Valley (Guvercinlik) and visit the area that housed countless pigeons during ancient times. Return to the hotel with free time for individual interests
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Friday – Konya, Travel to Sagalassos
Today, depart in the morning for Sagalassos. The drive will take you through the Anatolian countryside with its breathtaking scenery. En route, stop in Konya, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture. Here, visit the Mevlana Museum, housing the works of the 13th century leader Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. After lunch, continue your drive to Sagalassos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in the afternoon and visit the ancient city that was founded on the slopes of the Taurus mountain range and served as the metropolis of the Roman province of Pisidia. Most of the buildings are well preserved and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. View the impressive great theater with a capacity of 9,000 people. Continue to the hotel in Sagalassos for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Sagalassos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Dalyan, Boat Cruise to Kaunos, Travel to Fethiye
Begin the day with a drive to Dalyan, a delightful riverside town. Enjoy lunch before embarking on a river cruise to the ancient site of Kaunos, dating back to the 10th century BC. Admire the remarkably preserved Greek amphitheater, which displays Roman and Hellenistic features and the remains of an early Byzantine basilica. Marvel at the striking ancient Lycian tombs, carved high in the cliffsides. Several of the façades are adorned with intricate relief and Ionian columns. Afterward, travel to Fethiye. Share your day's highlights with your fellow travelers at dinner tonight
Overnight: Fethiye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Full Day Cruise along Fethiye's 12 Islands
After breakfast, travel to the Fethiye Marina where you will embark on a private cruise to the Fethiye Islands. Several stops are included during the cruise for swimming and snorkeling. Savor lunch on the deck and relax, as you take in the stunning natural scenery. Admire views of ancient ruins as you sail in the crystal-clear waters of the Turquoise Coast back to Fethiye
Overnight: Fethiye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Monday - Flight to Istanbul
Morning transfer to Dalaman airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. Tonight, gather for a Farewell Dinner – share wonderful memories of your journey and bid goodbye to Turkey, your Tour Manager, and your newfound friends
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Tuesday - Depart Turkey
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Book Now!
Discovery Tours itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
10 Karakoy, Istanbul
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This superior first class hotel is located in the Karakoy neighborhood of Istanbul.

Hotel Details
Hilton Garden Inn Safranbolu, Safranbolu
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel is a ten minute drive from the Old Town of Safranbolu.

Hotel Details
Yunak Evleri, Cappadocia
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel is situated amid Cappadocia's magical landscape in the ancient village of Urgup.

Hotel Details
Sagalassos Lodge & Spa, Aglasun
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel is situated in a private pine forest in the town of Aglasun.

Hotel Details
Ece Saray Marina & Resort, Fethiye
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This first class hotel overlooks Fethiye Bay and the Fethiye marina.

Hotel Details
Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.
  • Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
  • Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
  • Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
  • Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
  • Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
  • The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Turkish Odyssey, June 2019
Dummy Image

The Turkey tour was fantastic! Wonderful accommodation, small group with great people, clean and comfortable bus, and a GREAT guide, Sayat!

James K. Calgary, AB
Turkish Odyssey, October 2016
Dummy Image

Our trip to Turkey was f a n t a s t i c !!!! The country is s must-see-do! Our Gate 1 Discovery tour was well planned, exactly executed and our guide Mesut and the driver Kadir are outstanding professionals! They made the vacation as good as it was. We are 100% over the top satisfied! Thanks to everyone who made this trip come true!

Martinsburg, WV