Best of Turkey

Day 1 (Door to Door)

Arrive Istanbul

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Istanbul.Welcome to one of the most interesting and dynamic cities in the world. On arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. In the evening attend a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and meet your fellow travellers.
Hotel: Dedeman Istanbul or Holiday Inn Sisli (SFC)

Day 2

Istanbul - Gallipoli - Çanakkale

We explore the Gallipoli Peninsula and see Anzac Cove, the site of the bitter battle in WWI. We then visit Lone Pine Cemetery, the final resting place of many allied soldiers. We see the Dardanelles and stay overnight in Çanakkale. (BB, D)
Hotel: Kolin or Tusan (FC)

Day 3

Çanakkale - Troy - Pergamon - Izmir

We first visit the ruins of Troy, the site of the Trojan War, to see the famousWooden Horse.We then xplore the ancient Asklepion Medical Centre at the ancient city of Pergamon. Tonight we dine at our hotel in Izmir. (BB, D)
Hotel: Swissotel or Kaya (SFC)

Day 4

Izmir - Ephesus - St. Mary's House - Pamukkale

This morning we visit the excavations at Ephesus including the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theatre and Library of Celsius. We then see the House of the Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos en route to the hot springs at Pamukkale. (BB, D)
Hotel: Pam Thermal (FC)

Day 5

Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Antalya (2)

We first visit the Cotton Castle springs at Pamukkale and the ruins of the Roman health spa at Hierapolis. We then spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets of Antalya. (BB, D)
Hotel: Antalya (SFC)

Day 6

Antalya - Perge and Aspendos excursion

We visit the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum and the Roman cities of Perge and Aspendos. Here we see one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, built during the rule of Marcus Aurelius. (BB, D)
Hotel: Antalya (SFC)

Day 7

Antalya - Konya

Thismorning we travel inland and enjoy a BeMy Guest lunch in a 100 year old traditional Ottoman-style house hosted by a local family. We visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, the final resting place for members of the Whirling Dervishmystic sect.We will also see the final resting place ofMevlana, the founder of this unique movement.We then continue on to the Karatay Tile Museum. (BB, D)
Hotel: Rixos (FC)

Day 8

Konya - Cappadocia

Today we visit the well preserved Sultanhan Caravansary before our journey on to biblical Cappadocia. Here we visit the underground city of Sarhatli on the ancient Silk Road just outside Konya and see the cone of Uchisar. This evening we dine at our hotel. (BB, D)
Hotel: Dedeman Cappadocia (FC)

Day 9

Cappadocia - Urgup and Goreme excursion

We spend the day exploring the volcanic landscape in and around Urgup, dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings and visit the Goreme Open-air Museum to learn about pottery making in Avanos. (BB, D)

Day 10

Cappadocia - Ankara

Our expert local guide takes us on a tour of the capital Ankara. We visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation and Ataturk's Mausoleum. This evening we enjoy dinner at our. (BB, D)
Hotel: Moevenpick Ankara (D)

Day 11

Ankara - Gordion - Bursa

This morning we hear the fascinating legend of King Midas at Gordion and see the Great Tumulus, the city's largest burial mound. We explore the Green Ottoman Complex and Grand Mosque at Bursa. Then spend the afternoon seeing the sights of your choice. We finish the day with dinner at our hotel. (BB, D)
Hotel: Thermal Kervansaray (FC)

Day 12

Bursa - Istanbul (2)

We cross the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul by ferry. Plan your day as you wish. Enjoy the exotic atmosphere and why not shop for souvenirs at the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest markets? (BB)
Hotel: Dedeman Istanbul or Holiday Inn Sisli (SFC)

Day 13

Istanbul sightseeing

Gain an insight into the Ottoman Empire's power and influence during our guided tour of the Topkapi Palace.We explore the Hagia Sophia, a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica and visit the wonderful Blue Mosque built in the 17th century. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and travelling companions. (BB, FD)
Hotel: Dedeman Istanbul or Holiday Inn Sisli (SFC)

Day 14 (Door to Door)

Depart Istanbul

This morning after breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to this fascinating city which lies on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus. We take the transfer to Istanbul International Airport for your return flight back to the UK. On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home. (BB)

Dates and prices

Destination Info

Overall customer rating 5 () 15 Reviews

• • Product :
    Guide was excellent. Hotels very good with one exception, the Rixos, here you did not feel welcome and the service was very poor indeed. The tour was well planned.

  • Service Rating :
    It would have helped to know who we were travelling with. At Istanbul airport the collection was casual, if not chaotic, no board to say who we should look for - we had to wander around before contact was made. Then we found we were travelling with a Trafalger coach tour.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback, following your tour to Turkey.
    
    Our sincerest apologies that you were unaware that you would be travelling with our sister company Trafalgar. Please let me explain that we endeavour to highlight our sister companies like Trafalgar throughout our brochure and website and we include a write up on each of the companies we feature. The Trafalgar Logo is also on the appropriate holiday pages within the brochure, to indicate who the tour is hosted by.
    
    It is pleasing to read that you thought the tour guide was excellent, our Tour Directors are highly experienced and often are a great source of local knowledge. Assisted by local guides, who are passionate on the life and history of their own city, we believe they really help to further enhance your tour experience.
    
    Every hotel is carefully selected for it's location, quality, service and expected levels of comfort. We are sorry that you felt the Rixos was not up to those standards and your comments will be passed to our product team for them to review.
    
    We do value all client feedback and we would like to thank you for choosing to travel with Milestones, we hope to see you again in the future.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Relations

  • Left 63 days ago

• • Product :
    The tour was very varied and very well organised. The guide was excellent, very knowledgeable and showed us several things that were his particular passion.

  • Service Rating :
    I found it efficient and helpful
    

  • Response :
    We are indeed grateful for the overall positive comments made by you regarding the service you received and for your Tour Director. It gives us great pride and encourages us to offer even higher levels of excellence.
    
    Our Tour Directors do make all the difference aiming to share with you their local knowledge and expertise, as well as becoming a historian, guide, interpreter, concierge and hopefully a good friend they will take pride in offering you advice and assistance.
    
    Please remember as you have travelled with us previously you will now qualify for a 5% discount off any future tour with us.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 77 days ago

• • Product :
    The tour team were excellant. Friendly, professional and knowledgable and made sure that we saw a great variety of turkish life.Every day was a joy and so much to see. The variety of fellow passengers was great .

  • Service Rating :
    Milestones Tours proved to be efficient and reliable, keeping me informed of changes as soon as possible. The pesonal service was really helpful and reassuring.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for travelling with Milestones and sharing your experience on Feefo.
    
    Personal Travel Consultants really help to make the whole experience first class and try to give you as much information and advice as you need.
    They are your one and only point of contact throughout your booking process and they are proud of their attention to detail and expertise. We are pleased to hear that you found the booking process to be excellent, as we believe that by having your own Personal Travel Consultant you get an unrivalled service
    
    Our Tour Directors are highly experienced and often are a great source of knowledge, helping to further enhance your tour experience. Assisted by local guides who are passionate on the life and history of their own city, they really make your holiday a memorable one and we are very happy that you agree.
    
    We do get very good feedback from many clients who make friends with like-minded people from Canada, Australia and the USA. As our products are sold in these English speaking countries, we find that the interaction between the nationalities is very positive. We are pleased you also liked the mix.
    
    Our 2012/2013 brochure is packed full of tours with more to offer on-line. Please remember that as you have travelled with us before, you are now entitled to a further 5% discount as a frequent traveller.
    
    We hope to see you on another tour again soon.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 114 days ago

• • Product

  • Service Rating :
    Mustapha proved to be an excellent guide

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo and score Milestones so highly.
    
    Your comments regarding your Tour Director will be passed on to our Product team.
    We take pride in our highly experienced Tour Directors, who are often a great source of knowledge, helping to further enhance your tour experience
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 117 days ago

• • Product :
    I would say very good but not quite excellent. We covered a good amount of ground and saw a good part of Western Turkey.

  • Service Rating :
    Everything went as expected except for the fact that we were given twin beds in all rooms when we only accepted that under certain circumstances we may need to accept twin beds. We were not advised that we would be required to buy a visa upon arrival in Istanbul and how much we would be paying for it.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts about your holiday on Feefo. Unfortunately although we often request double rooms this cannot always be guaranteed, particularly when travelling at more popular times of the year.
    
    Visas are the responsibility of the clients travelling and we state this in your documents due to the frequent changes in Visa requirements. Your Consultant will endeavour to tell you what they can at the time of booking. As the Visa requirement of £10.00 sterling on arriving in Turkey is an established one, this is advised at time of booking and has been noted in your booking notes.
    
    Turkey is one of our more popular destinations and it is positive to read that you enjoyed your holiday.
    
    We do hope that you will be travelling with Milestones again in the future.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 119 days ago

• • Product :
    we would use your tours more, such as to Morocco, if you had more connections from Manchester.

  • Service Rating :
    excellent guide.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo, your comments are valued and used to give improves on our higher levels of excellence.
    
    We can book any carrier should you require it, providing they have availability on the dates that you are travelling. Clients also have the option to book their own flights, and an appropriate discount would be offered on your tour.
    
    We hope to welcome you onto another Milestones holiday soon.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 122 days ago

• • Product :
    excellant places to see

  • Service Rating :
    also a very good guide.
    

  • Response :
    The Best of Turkey is a popular tour with much to see and visit, and our Tour Directors are often held in high regard.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo and grade such high scores.
    
    We look forward to welcoming you onto another Milestones tour again soon.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 126 days ago

• • Product :
    could have done with two days rest at the end.

  • Service Rating :
    wonderful tour from the booking to the end
    

  • Response :
    Turkey has been one of our more popular destinations this year, with so many highlights to see including Troy the ancient city and the wooden horse, excavations at Ephesus, The Green Mosque, The House of the Virgin Mary and so much more.
    
    Our 'At Leisure' tours are slower paced and allow more freedom to go on your own way than ever before. With average hotel stays of two or three nights and later starts in the mornings.
    There is also the option to add extra days on to the start or end of most of our tours, should you wish to do so.
    
    We look forward to welcoming you onto another Milestones holiday again soon.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 126 days ago

• • Product :
    Felt the hotels booked were too far away from the centre of the towns we visited and as such we could not go out for a walk and see any night life or even meet the locals. The actual hotels were very good - just remote.

  • Service Rating :
    First Milestone tour - it rated well against other tours we've done.
    

  • Response :
    We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your first tour with Milestones to Turkey, it is a fascinating country and a very popular destination with our clients.
    
    Your comments about the hotel locations will be passed on to our Product team for them to review. Every hotel is carefully selected for it's quality, friendly service, guest amenities and expected levels of comfort so the locations can vary.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 126 days ago

• • Product :
    The tour was interesting and well planned.

  • Service Rating :
    Everything was very well arranged and the hotels and the guide were very good.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo, your thoughts are valued and will be shared with the Milestones team to help us improve upon our services.
    
    Turkey is one of our most popular destinations, it is positive to read that you have had such an interesting holiday.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 127 days ago

• • Product :
    Good choice of Hotels Bus and driver very good Tour Manager Fahti excellent

  • Service Rating :
    Well organised and great Tour Managers.
    

  • Response :
    At Milestones our objective is for you to enjoy every aspect of your holiday experience and it is positive news that this objective has been met.
    Each part of the tour is carefully planned and we use the finest drivers and tour guides, who are also historians, interpreteurs and then become friends. It's these things we feel really enhance your experience.
    
    Our 2012/2013 brochure is packed full of tours with more to offer on-line. Please remember that as you have travelled with us before, you are now entitled to a further 5% discount as a frequent traveller.
    
    We look forward to welcoming you on another tour soon.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 128 days ago

• • Product :
    This holiday was very well paced and had a devoted Turkish tour manager. We found all the hotels to be excellent. My only 'gripe' was the Istanbul Dedeman Hotel was very remote from the old city. It would have been pleasant to have spent the evenings in the city. We had taken a city break to Istanbul with another company some years ago. We were located near the Blue Mosque and had the facilities of the city available to us. We particularly liked taking the (cheap) ferries in the evenings to watch the sunsets. The area around the Dedeman Hotel was a bit sterile.

  • Service Rating :
    I don't like the format of the 2012 brochure where flights are not included. I have travelled with many different companies and on occasion, have requsted the land tour only because we wanted to go elsewhere either before or at the end of the brochured holiday. I am also puzzled why our 2012 Namibia holiday is not advertised in the 2012 brochure but it is available online.
    

  • Response :
    We would like to thank you for taking the time to write about your recent tour experience.
    In response to your comment about the air fares we would like to advise that the decision to brochure our tours without the cost of international flights included, was due to customer feedback and to offer greater choice. Many of our customers like the flexibility to choose their preferred airline, departure airport and departure time whilst others also like to make their own flight arrangements, perhaps taking advantage of their frequent flyer points or Air Miles.
    However, we have since come to appreciate that many other clients like to see a fully packaged price, which is why for January 2012 we are pleased to reintroduce the cost of international flights back into our portfolio of products.
    
    As Milestones offer a large number of Worldwide tours, there are many that are listed online and not in the brochure.
    
    Your comments about the hotel in Istanbul have been noted and will be passed on to our Product team to review.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 128 days ago

• • Product :
    Really good tour even though the heat and humidity defeated us at times! As expected, a lot of travelling but the coach was good most of the time. Air con failed twice which left us very uncomfortable until repaired. Very knowledgeable tour staff, polite driver and coach assistant and great companions made the tour

  • Service Rating :
    Good organisation and communication
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo, particularly with such positive praise for our organisation and communication.
    
    Our apologies that there were some unfortunate issues with the air conditioning we do hope that this did not affect your holiday too much.
    
    One of the most distinguishing aspects of a Milestones tour is the wonderful mix of people you will meet. A diverse mix of cultures and interests can only enhance your experience.
    
    We look forward to welcoming you onto a Milestones holiday again soon.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 128 days ago

• • Product :
    As above. the tour guide was very knowledgeable and efficient

  • Service Rating :
    Accommodation, transport and wre first class
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo about your recent Best of Turkey Tour, your positive comments and praise for your holiday valued greatly and have been communicated to all the members of our team.
    We look forward to welcoming you back on another one of our Tours in the near future, where you will now qualify for a 5% discount.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 128 days ago

• • Product :
    Tour was good, a bit expensive, the tour captain weas poor. New trips do not include the air fare so a big negative to booking a future tour

  • Service Rating :
    Dood service ans communications
    

  • Response :
    Milestones would like to thank you for taking the time to write about your recent tour experience.
    In response to your comment about the air fares we would like to advise that the decision to brochure our tours without the cost of international flights included, was due to customer feedback and to offer greater choice.
    Many of our customers like the flexibility to choose their preferred airline, departure airport and departure time whilst others also like to make their own flight arrangements, perhaps taking advantage of their frequent flyer points or Air Miles.
    
    However, we have since come to appreciate that many other clients like to see a fully packaged price, which is why for January 2012 we are pleased to reintroduce the cost of international flights back into our portfolio of products.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 128 days ago